This command must be viewed in a religious context, realizing that Christ is here cautioning His disciples against such a fascination with flattering names and titles as characterized the scribes and Pharisees. He was of course not teaching them to refrain from calling their paternal parent father but He was letting them know it was wrong to call any man father who presumed to exercise any authority over men in matters of doctrine and practice and/or who laid any claim to being the vicar or substitute of Christ. In that unique sense there is but one who is our Father, and that is God. 

    We have observed a great love of high-sounding titles among the religionists of the world, which they apply to their leaders, such as Reverend, The Right Reverend, The Holy Father, The Most Holy Father, Worshipful Master, Wonderful Grand Master, The Most Excellent Master, etc., ad nauseam. These things our Lord would have His followers to turn away from with revulsion and have no part with, for they imply qualities and powers that only God possesses. We find only One Being in the Scriptures who's name is reverend and that is God (Psalm 111:9). All the other titles mentioned above, as well as others in that category, have been invented by men and greatly appeal to the carnal pride of those who wear them or use them. That alone should put such titles off limits to the true followers of the meek and lowly Lamb of God. 

    Let us note carefully the words of Elihu (Job 32:21-22). "Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away." 

    May we, as the professed followers of Christ, leave the use of such titles to others, and acknowledge our rightful place as "unprofitable servants" (Luke 17:10).